Over a dozen, including children have now been displaced in a San Jose apartment fire just two days after Christmas, local authorities have confirmed.
A devastating apartment fire in San Jose has left at least ten adults and four children without homes following a blaze that erupted early Friday morning.
The incident took place near Gimelli Way and North Capitol Avenue around 5 a.m., just two days after Christmas, causing significant damage to an eight-unit building.
Details of the Incident
Demetre Hopkins, one of the displaced residents, recounted the harrowing experience.
“The fire started in my room, and that’s all I know,” he said, reflecting on the chaos of the morning.
At the time of the fire, Hopkins was dropping someone off at work, unaware of the unfolding disaster at his apartment complex.
Upon returning home, he was met with a scene of emergency responders and fire trucks.
“I came home and turned the corner and saw all the fire trucks.
I worried about my cousin because I saw that my windows—and his too—were burnt out.
The first thing I did was start calling for him, and thankfully, he answered, so that was a relief,” Hopkins shared.
While his cousin was unharmed, Hopkins faced a heartbreaking reality: three of his four cats are still missing, and everything else in his apartment has been declared a total loss.
“I feel devastated. I don’t have anything; everything I have is what I’m wearing now. My watch collection, my cameras, my PlayStation—everything is gone,” he lamented.
Community Response and Fire Department Efforts
Before firefighters arrived, neighbors played a crucial role in ensuring everyone’s safety.
Many residents were seen banging on each other’s doors, alerting others to the danger and helping them evacuate.
“The initial call said there were multiple people trapped, so the incident was immediately upgraded to a second alarm,” explained Battalion Chief Sean Lovens, a spokesperson for the San Jose Fire Department.
Fortunately, no one needed to be rescued from the building.
The fire is believed to have originated on the first floor and quickly spread to the second floor.
Fire officials confirmed that it was contained to a single eight-unit building, although the damage was extensive.
“Three units were heavily involved and will be unable to be occupied for the coming weeks,” Lovens noted.
“Five other units sustained some smoke damage and issues with utility controls, so we’re evaluating whether those residents will be able to return to their units later today.”
Ongoing Investigation
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Authorities are working diligently to determine how the blaze started, and they are focused on ensuring the safety of all residents affected by the fire.
In the wake of this disaster, local organizations and community members are likely to rally around those displaced, providing support and resources as they navigate this challenging time.
The resilience of the residents and the swift response from firefighters have been commendable, but the emotional and material losses will take time to heal.
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